Laundry apparatus



Dec. 23, 1958 J. K. COWDERY LAUNDRY APPARATUS Filed Oct. 1, 1954 WATERVALVE SOLENOID (SPEED CHANGE MAGNET :n mus-II.

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ILL I llllr lllli rll l'r l I ll Illlllllil II" /'PUMP SOLENOID INVENTORJOSEPH K.COWDERY ATTORNEY LAUNDRY APPARATUS .ioseph K. Covvdery,Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, EastPittsburgh, Pa., a corporattcn of Pennsylvania Application (Dctober 1,1954, Serial No. 459,650

2 Claims. (CI. 68-42) This invention relates to automatic cycle clotheswashmg and centrifuging machines andhas for an object to provide animproved machine of this kind.

A further object of the invention is to provide a low cost simplifiedcontrol mechanism for a machine of the class set forth.

The improved control mechanism is particularly adaptable to a domesticwashing and spinning machine having the usual driving motor and speedchange mechanism, the latter including a magnet which, when energizedand deenergized, respectively operates the machine at spinning andwashing speeds. These machines also include a conventional solenoidvalve controlling admission of water to the machine and an electricallyoperated drain mechanism for discharging Vitiated water from themachine.

In accordance with this invention a timing mechanism of simple low costconstruction is employed in conjunction with a switching mechanismactuated by the water level within the tub. The timing mechanismincludes a single cam for operating a switch, preferably of double throwtype, to first and second active positions for energizing the valvesolenoid and the'drain mechanism respectively. The switching mechanismof the water level control moves from one position when the tub isdevoid of water to a second position when the proper amount of water isadmitted to the tub. The circuitry connecting the various electricallytranslating devices of the machine and the control elements set forth issuch that the following steps are carried out.

When the timing mechanism is adjusted from an inactive or off positionto its first active or washing position, the vfill valve solenoid isenergized and water is admitted to the tub until a predetermined amountis obtained therein. In response to this, the water level controlmechanism moves to its second position deenergizing the valve solenoidand also establishing a circuit for the energization of the main motorof the machine and the timer-motor. A washing operation of selectedduration is now carried out, at the conclusion of which, the timingmechanism moves its switch to the second active position thereof andenergizes the draining means. Vitiated washing fiuid is discharged fromthe machine and the water level control mechanisrn'is actuated to saidone position. During transition to this position, thewater. levelcontrol switching mechanism maintains energization of the driving motorand timer motor and also energizes the speed change magnet.Accordinglv'high' speed operation of the machine is initiated andcontinues for a predetermined period of time for the extraction of waterfrom the fabrics. This op'erationis concluded bythe timing mechanismwhich actuates itsdouble throw switch to an inactive position forstopping operation ofthe apparatus or, the timing mechanism may. actuatethis switch to its first active positionvto carryout another series ofsteps, as

described, during which fabrics is effected;

rinsing and: s'piniiing" of: the

tat-es atent Fig. 1 is a vertical longitudinal section taken through oneform of washing and centrifuging machine controlled in accordance withthis invention; and

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the electrical connections employed in the washershown in Fig. 1.

Reference will now be had to the drawing wherein the invention is shownapplied to a domestic clothes washing and centrifuging machine of thetype having a washing and spinning unit 10 arranged within a housing if.'The washing and spinning unit 10 includes a tub 12, the front wall ofwhich is connected by a sleeve 13 to the housing 11 and forms an accesspassage or opening 14. The latter is closed by a conventional gasketeddoor 15 hinged in any suitable manner (not shown) to the front of thehousing 11.

Arranged within the tub 12 is a generally cylindrical basket 16, theside wall of which is perforate, a number 'of the perforations beingindicated'at 17. The basket 16 is rotatable about a generally horizontalaxis at low and high speeds for respectively washing the fabrics andcentrifuging washing fluid therefrom. A plurality of conventional vanes18 are disposed within the basket 16 and extend radially inwardly fromthe side Wall thereof. The vanes 18 are effective to tumble the fabricswithin the basket 16 during the slow speed rotation thereof and assistin the washing of the fabrics. The front end of the basket 16 isprovided with an access opening 19 which registers, substantially, withthe access opening 14 in the tub.

Rotation of the basket is effected by a shaft 21 defining the solesupport for the basket and driven by a two speed mechanism, generallyindicated at 22 and carried by the rear wall of the tub T2. The twospeed mechanism 22 is driven by a sheave 23, belted as shown at 24 to anelectric motor 25 suitably carried by the tub structure. A magnet 26adjusts the speed of the shaft 21 of the two speed mechanism 22. Sincetwo speed mechanisms of the type shown at 22 are so well understood inthe art, further description of the construction and operation thereofis deemed unnecessary, other than to state that, when the magnet 26 isenergized, high speed operation of the basket 16 is carried out and,conversely, when the magnet 26 is deenergized the basket 16 is rotatedat low washing speed. A suitable two speed mechanism of the type shownat 22 is disclosed in the patent of H. E. Edwards No. 2,284,047 grantedMay 26, 1942.

Washing water is admitted to the tub 12 through a conduit 27 the inletend of which is connected to a water mixing device 28 receiving hot andcold water through conduits 29 and 31. The discharge of water from themixing device 28 to the conduit 27 is under control of a valve (notshown) but which is actuated by a solenoid 32. When energized, thesolenoid 32 opens the valve for delivery ofwater to thetub and,conversely, when deenergized the valve is closed for terminating flow ofwater to the tub. Further description of the water mixing device 28 isdeemed unnecessary since apparatus of this kind is well understood inthe art. A suitable water mixing device as shown at 23 is disclosed inthe patent of. Frank Breckenridge No. 2,296,266, granted September 22,1942. v r Vitiated water is discharged four the tub 12 by means of apump 33, the inlet conduit of which is indicated at 34 and connected toa sump 35 formed in the bottom of the tub 12. The discharge conduit fromthe pump 33 is indicated at 36 and extends upwardly and out of thecasing Eat a point elevated with respect to the level of (45) minutes.

driven by the motor through a suitable clutch, shown by way of exampleas a jaw clutch 37. The latter is en- 1 gaged by a magnet 38 whenenergized. A spring 39 biases the clutch to its disengaged position atall times so that, when the magnet 38 is deenergized, the clutch 37 isactuated to its disengaged position and operation of the pump 33 isterminated.

In accordance with this invention, the various electrical translatingdevices set forth heretofore are controlled conjointly by a timingmechanism, indicated at 41, and a switching mechanism, generallyindicated at 42 and operated in accordance with the level of the waterwithin the tub 12. The timer 41 is located on the front of the housing11 and may be of conventional construction except that it includes but asingle cam which is shown at 42 in Fig. 2 and operating a double throwswitch structure 44. The timing mechanism 41 includes a timing motor 45which drives a cam shaft, indicated at 46 in Fig. 2, through a suitablespeed reducing transmission diagrammatically indicated at 47 in Fig. 2.The arrangement is such that the shaft 46 and cam 43 are rotated at aspeed of approximately one revolution in forty-five The cam 43 is drivenat all times in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2 and may be turnedmanually in this same direction by a knob or a handle 48 for startingoperation of the timer or for reducing the duration of any of the stepsin the washing program. Usually, a slip or one way clutch, not shown, isinterposed between the cam shaft 46 and the timer motor in order topermit this manual advancing of the cam shaft 46. The knob 48 may beprovided with indicia, as indicated, which shows the operation beingcarried out and which may also carry numerals representing duration ofthe washing period in minutes. A fixed pointer 49 on the front of thehousing cooperates with the indicia shown on the knob 48.

The double throw switch structure 44 includes a movable contact 51engageable with fixed contacts 52 and 53. The contact 51 is carried by aspring arm 54 having a cam follower 55 biased at all times intoengagement with the cam 43. In the OE position of the cam, as shown inFig. 2, the follower 55 engages a cam surface 56 of intermediate heightand the contact 51 is maintained out of engagement with both contacts 52and 53. When the cam follower 55 engages either of the lower surfaces57, 58 or 59, the contacts 51 and 52 are engaged. Also, when thefollower 55 rides upon the surfaces of the cam lobes 61, 62 and 63, thecontact 51 engages the fixed contact 53.

The switching mechanism 42 may be actuated in any suitable mannerresponsive to water level in the tub but, as shown, it is operated by afloat. As shown, a water chamber 65 is provided which is incommunication at all times with the interior of the tub 12 so that thechamber 65 fills and empties with the tub 12. A float 66 rides upwardlyand downwardly on a stem 67 between upper and lower shoulders 68 and 69and operates the switching mechanism 42 in a well understood manner. Thefloat operated switching mechanism 42 includes a first movable contact70 which engages a fixed contact 71 in a first position of the floatoperated switching mechanism 42 or the position attained when the tub isdevoid of water. In this same position, a second movable switch arm 72engages a fixed contact 73. In a'second position of the float operatedswitching mechanism 42, or when the tub 12 continues its proper chargeof water, the switch contact 72 engages a fixed contact 74 while theupper movable contact 70 engages. a stop member 175.

The source of power for the apparatus usually a 4 volt house circuit isrepresented by the line conductors L and L It will be assumed that theconduits 29 and 31 are connected to suitable sources of hot and coldwater and that the conduit 36 extends to a suitable drain.-

Under these conditions a description of the operation of the apparatuswill be given.

The fabrics to be treated and a suitable detergent are placed in thebasket 16 and the door 14 is closed. The timer knob 48 is advanced to awashing position, for example, the ten-minute position if the soils inthe fabric are not too severe. lower 55 rides down onto the surface 57and the switch contacts 51 and 52 are engaged. Accordingly, a circuit isestablished from the line conductor L through a conductor 76 to thecontact support 54 and thence through the closed contacts 51 and 52, aconductor 77, valve solenoid 32, a conductor 78, the closed contacts 70and 71 and a conductor 79 to the line conductor L Energizatiou of thesolenoid 32 opens the valve (not shown) and water'is admitted to the tubuntil a complete charge is present therein, at which time the float 66moves the stem 67 upwardly, disengaging the contacts 79 and 71 and,therefore, deenergizing the valve solenoid 32. Accordingly, the flow ofwater to the tub is now terminated. The movement of the switchingmechanism 42 by the float 66 just described also moves the contact 72out of engagement with the fixed contact 73 and into engagement with thefixed contact 74. The latter operation establishes a circuit from theline conductor L through a conductor 81, closed contacts 72 and 74 andconductor 82, the motors 25 and 45, and a conductor 83 to the lineconductorL Accordingly, the main motor 25 now operates to rotate thebasket at its slow washing speed and the timer motor 45 drives the cam43 slowly in the direction of the arrow during the washing period, whichis now carried out.

At the conclusion of the washing period, cam follower 55 rides up ontothe cam lobe 61, disengaging contacts 51 and 52 and engaging contacts 51and 53. The former operation is of no moment as the valve solenoid 32 isalready deenergized but the latter operation establishes a circuit,including line conductor L conductor 76, spring 54, closed contacts 51and 53, a conductor 84, drain magnet 38 and line conductor LEnergization of the magnet 38 engages the clutch 37 so that operation ofthe pump 33 is initiated. At this time, the vitiated washing water isdischarged through the conduit 36 to drain. When substantially all ofthe water has been removed from the tub, float 66 will have moveddownwardly depressing the stem 67 and returning the switching mechanism42 from said second position to its first position, as illustrated.During this transition, it will be noted that operation of the drivingmotor 25 and timer motor 45 is continued even though the circuit appearsto be broken at the contact 74, since the engagement of contacts 72 and73 maintains a connection of the motors 25 and 45 and the line conductorL by a circuit including the conductor 82, closed contacts 72 and 73,conductor 84, contacts 51 and 53, spring 54 and conductor 76 to the lineconductor L Engagement of the contacts 72 and 73 at this time alsoenergizes the speed control magnet 26 by means of a circuit extendingfrom the conductor 82, which at this time is at the potential of theline conductor L the speed control magnet 26, conductor 78, closedcontacts 70 and 71, and the conductor 79 to the line conductor LAccordingly, the basket is now rotated at its high spin speed and theextraction of a substantial portion of the water from the fabrics iseffected. The spinning operation is terminated as .well as operation ofboth motors 25 and 45 when the follower 55 rides off lobe 61 anddisengages contacts 51 and 53.

Two rinsing operations, each followed by a spinning step are nextcarried out in exactly the same manner as described in connection withthe washing and spinning operation. These steps are effected as the camfollower During this movement the cam fol- 55 is engaged with the camsurfaces 58, 62, 59 and 63 in the order named. The complete cycle ofoperation is terminated when the cam 43 and knob 48 are returned by thetimer motor to the position shown in the drawing wherein the camfollower 55 engages the intermediate cam 56 and the contact 51 isdisengaged from both fixed contacts 52 and 53. Preferably, the finalspinning is carried out for a longer period of time than the previousspins in order to remove as much water as possible from the fabricsbefore they are removed from the basket and, accordingly, the length ofthe cam lobe 63 is relatively long.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that an improved,simplified control means is provided for an automatically cycled washingand centrifuging machine wherein a single cam timer and a novel form ofwater level responsive switching mechanism conjointly control themachine to provide the various washing, rinsing and centrifuging stepsusually carried out in such machines. The timer having but a single cam,may be economically constructed, one reason being that high precision, arequisite in the manufacture of multiple cam timers is not necessarywhere only a single cam is involved. While a fioat switch is disclosedfor operation with the timer it will be understood that other forms ofswitching mechanism responsive to the amount of water in the tub may beemployed.

While the invention has been shown in but one form, it will be obviousto those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but issusceptible of various changes and modifications without departing fromthe spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for washing fabrics and centrifuging washing fluidtherefrom, the combination of a tub for containing washing Water, aperforate basket rotatably disposed within the tub for containing thefabrics to be treated, means for rotating the basket at relatively lowand high speeds for respectively washing the fabrics and centrifugingwashing fluid therefrom, said rotating means including a main motor anda magnet energizable and deenergizable for effecting high and low speedrotation of the basket respectively, electrical valve means energizablefor admitting water to the tub and terminating admission of water whendeenergized, electrically actuated means for draining vitiated waterfrom the tub, said draining means being rendered effective and inactivewhen energized and deenergized respectively, a switching mechanismresponsive to the amount of water in the tub and movable to onecontrolling position when the tub is devoid of water and to a secondcontrolling position when a predetermined quantity of water is presentin the tub, a timing mechanism including a single cam, first and secondswitches selectively opened and closed thereby and a timing motor foractuating the cam, a power source, means connecting the valve meansacross the power source in series with the switching mechanism and thefirst cam operated switch, means connecting the water draining meansacross the power source in series with the second cam operated switch,means connecting the timer motor across the power source through saidswitching mechanism when the latter is disposed in its secondcontrolling position, means connecting said timer motor and magnet in aparallel circuit in series with the second cam operated switch when saidswitching mechanism is disposed in its first controlling position, andmeans controlling operation of the main motor.

2. In apparatus for washing fabrics and centrifuging fluid therefrom,the combination of a tub for containing washing water and the fabrics tobe treated, means for washing the fabrics, means for spinning fluid fromthe fabrics, a motor for driving the washing means and the spinningmeans, means including a magnet for selectively operating the washingmeans and spinning means, said magnet when energized and deenergizedeffecting operation of the spinning means and washing means,respectively, an electrically operated valve for admitting water to thetube when energized and terminating admission of water to the tube whendeenergized, electrically actuated means for draining vitiated waterfrom the tub when energized, a switching mechanism responsive to theamount of water in the tub and movable to one controlling position whenthe tub is devoid of water and to a second controlling position when apredetermined quantity of water is present in the tub, a timingmechanism including a single cam, first and second switches selectivelyopened and closed thereby and a timing motor for actuating the cam,manually operated means for rotating the cam from an inactive positionto an active starting position wherein said first switch is closed,means effective in the closed position of said first switch forenergizing said valve in series with the switching mechanism, said valvebeing deenergized in response to movement of the switching mechanism toits second controlling position, means responsive to movement of theswitching mechanism to its second controlling position for energizingsaid timing motor, means responsive to closing of the second camoperated switch for energizing the electrically actuated draining means,said switching mechanism returning to said one position thereof towardconclusion of said draining operation and means responsive to theclosing of said second cam operated switch and actuation of saidswitching mechanism to said one controlling position thereof forenergizing the timing motor and said magnet in parallel with theelectrically actuated draining means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,561,257 Woodson July 17, 1951 2,563,738 Oliver Aug. 7, 1951 2,619,823Palmer Dec. 2, 1952 2,654,239 Welch et a1. Oct. 6, 1953 2,683,363 ClarkJuly 13, 1954

